Aiight, so I’m basically the worst blogger on the planet (barely escaped a wedgie punishment from Melanie at the Hybrid issue release party). I was supposed to drop an introduction to yours truly a looong while back, but that never happened. And the last several months have been encompassed by a lot of life changes (all positive!), which have kept me at bay. 8 months after winning the coveted title of Mr. Hyphen 2007, I am finally at a steady place in life & ready to get the ball rolling! So without further adieu, I’d like to finally get things crackin’ and invite you beautiful blog readers into my world…

A few weeks ago I was interviewed by the Original Gangsta, Mr. Hyphen 2006, so I’ll leave my introduction to ya’ll for him to handle… thanks brutha Robin… what I’d rather do concentrate on is letting you all know more about me through the organizations and activities I associate with. That is, I’d like to be represented not by what I say, more by what I do. So in the immortal words of Slick Rick, “Heeerrrrrreeee we go!”

WHAT: Fightin’ Words Open Mic

WHEN: Thursday | February 21, 2008 | 8 pm -10:30 pm

WHERE: Chuco’s Justice Center, 253 W. MLK Blvd, Los Angeles

COST: Suggested $3 Donation, but nobody turned away for being broke as a joke…

Police Brutality has been an issue I’ve been very active around since I was a young buck. I’ve been working with the “October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality” for over 10 years now, first as a member of the Youth Student Network and now as a core organizer. Oh my gawd, 10 years in the game. Not over the hill yet, but dammit I can see the summit.

Anyway, one of our programs that we organize is a monthly Open Mic event called “Fightin Words.” Every 3rd Thursday of the month a few dozen folks of all ages, nationalities, backgrounds, etc pile into a small but powerful space in good ol’ South Central Los Angeles, Chuco’s Justice Center. Chuco’s is home to several community organizations, including the October 22nd Coalition, Youth Justice Coalition, CopWatch LA, and the FREE LA Charter School. All dope groups, look em up!

After a 3 month hiatus, this Thursday, February 21 is going to be our first open mic of the year. Hosted by myself, Aidge34, with sounds by the impeccable DJ Starchild from Divine Forces Radio (90.7 KPFK), this 1st Fightin Words of 2008 is sure to kick major boo-tay! All my Southern Cali Hyphen familia, this is your chance to bring your rhymes, poetry, spoken word, drums, guitar, horns, dancin’ feet, visual art, stories, words of wisdom, or just bring yourself and chill with us! This event is about bringing people together in a city torn apart by the brutality, corruption, and pain we face daily from the cops and other forms of law enforcement under this (in)justice system...

With the recent murder of Korean American UCLA student Michael Cho by the La Habra PD, it is that much more important that we in the Asian American community stand strong together against police brutality. Come out and support ya’ll! Until next time…

- Luke aka Mr. Hyphen 2007

About the October 22nd Coalition:

The October 22nd Coalition is a national network of people from all walks of life who want to see an end to police brutality. The coalition began in 1995 as a response to the hundreds of police brutality cases throughout the county. Since then, activists, friends, and family members of victims have held annual marches and community events to expose cases of police violence throughout the nation. The coalition is also an advocate of youth issues, and is outspoken about the many repressive laws and tactics used to criminalize youth in this country. Join us as we organize and fight against police brutality and the criminalization of a generation. The 13th annual day of protest is being held in Los Angles, Oakland, and cities all across the country on October 22, 2008.